MATHS

You can check out what we are doing in our class Mathematics programme by reading the outlines below. I have outlined what we are learning in class so you can help develop topics and extend learning as part of the home learning programme. If you have any questions or concerns please email me or see me in class.

BASIC FACTS

Regular basic facts testing takes place. During week 2 of Terms 2 and 4, your child will be given 4 tests each with a different operation (+ - x or /). Each test is made up of 100 questions. At Year 6 and at this time of the year your child should be achieving at least 80%. By analysing the results we are able to look at whether your child has an accurate and fast recall of these facts. We will be placing a test summary sheet in your child's homework book. Please look at this and if needed, begin to make basic facts learning a priority with your child as part of their homework. Scroll down to view important information about how to do this.

MATHEMATICS

Milford School follows the Ministry of Education's Numeracy programme of teaching. This involves the acquisition of two types of Mathematics learning - number knowledge and number strategy. You can read all about the project and the two different types of learning by click on the following link: Numeracy Project You can assist your child to make significant advances in Mathematics by helping them to learn their basic facts. Basic facts are the facts required to ensure number problems such as 123 + 567 and 23 x 7 can be carried out.

The recall of facts involves two components - speed and accuracy. Your child needs to be able recall the facts accurately but also in a quick and efficient manner. Throughout the year I will provide ways which you can support your child's learning of the facts. However your child should be learning and practising their facts daily.

Please note that there is a difference between learning and practising. Learning involves memorising the facts. A great way to do this is simply by writing the Family of Facts out over and over again! Get your child to write the facts out and say them out aloud as they do. Facts are more likely to be memorised if a child is able to see the fact, hear the fact and write the fact out at the same time (this caters for visual, auditory and kinesthetic styles of learning). Practising the facts involves recalling the facts in computer games, using flash cards, worksheets etc (where they are only recalling the facts, not actually learning them).

Use the following guide to help you:

Addition and Subtraction
  • Learn all the basic facts combinations to 20 e.g. 4 + 5 = 9, 7 + 9 = 16
  • Learn addition and subtraction facts at the same time - the Families of Facts e.g. learn 5 + 7 =12, 7 + 5 =12, 12 - 7 = 5 and 12 - 5 =7 at the same time by writing out the Family of Facts over and over again (route is best).
  • Aim for accuracy and speed
  • Once these have been mastered help them to see patterns e.g. if 7 + 9 =16 then 70 + 90 = 160
Multiplication and Division
  • Learn the 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x and 10x tables first
  • Once these are mastered learn the 6x, 7x, 8x, 9x, 11x and 12x tables
  • Learn multiplication and division facts at the same time - the Families of Facts e.g. learn 6 x 9 = 54, 9 x 6 = 54, 54 / 6 = 9, 54 / 9 = 6 at the same time by writing out the Family of Facts over and over again (route is best)
  • Aim for accuracy and speed
  • Once again, when these have been mastered help them to see patterns e.g. if 6 x 9 = 54 then 60 x 90 = 540

CLASS PROGRAMME



Number Topic - Learning Goals:
Strand Topic - Learning Goals:
Term 1
  • Place Value
  • Reading and Recognising Numbers
  • Mental strategies for solving problems using addition and subtraction (introduction).


If you would like information about this please go to:

http://www.nzmaths.co.nz/node/1230 and

http://www.nzmaths.co.nz/node/1232
Measurement
  • Know the basic units of lenth and their units e.g. 1km=1000m, 1m= 100cm, 1cm=10mm.
  • Perform measuring tasks accurately using a range of units (mm, cm, m, km).
  • Describe the relative size of a km, m, cm, and mm in everyday contexts.
  • Solve measurement problems by estimating lengths and checking using equipment including perimeters and areas.

Statistics
  • Pose a question for a statistical investigation e.g. "How wide is a ten year old's hand span?"
  • Plan an investiagtion.
  • Carry out a survey a nd record the results.
  • Make a variety of graphs using data (stem and leaf, dot plot, bar graph, pie graph).
  • Talk about the special features of a graph (spread of data, outliers, groupings).
  • Make sensible statements about data.
  • Discuss and analyse the way data is displayed in the media.
If you would like after school tuition in the area of Mathematics for your child, please click here